Everyone knows or has been told from a young age, of THE PLAN. The plan for life, that is — and the exact steps we need to follow. Straying from the track is not an option. And thus, sometimes following our dreams is not an option.

These steps include graduating middle school, then high school, then college. Then finding a job, moving out, and supporting yourself. Then living. Pay your bills. Do your taxes. Survive.

I think as kids it was so much easier. I think this is because when you chose who you were going to be, you had no limits and no requirements.

At preschool graduation, we were asked to share what we wanted to become.

Some students said astronauts, others doctor, and more still the wildest and most unique choices.

At my preschool graduation, I announced that I wanted to be a lion. I announced this in front of adults of all ages who laughed hysterically. It confused me when they did because I didn't see any problem with it. I didn't know that who you wanted to be wasn't your choice.

Everyone always used to say "Be Yourself." But now that it's time to decide who that will be, we are all at a loss. This is because "Be Yourself" has turned into "Go to college, find a career, have a stable salary and just survive." Doesn't have the same ring to it, and yet I hear it more nowadays.

I completed elementary school, then middle school, then high school with flying colors. I graduated and got into an amazing college, and completed freshman year there too. But something about college surprised me.

We were still doing what we had always done.

Listen. Take notes. Memorize. Write down. Pass.

Students don't learn or grow anymore. We grow from the experience of moving out and living with freedom more than we grow form any class. This is because we're still following the same pattern we always have, and always will.

Unless... we decide to take it back. We decide to gain control again over who WE choose to be, not who we have been told to become. We choose not to gain financial stability and have a family because we have been TOLD TO as long as we can remember!

I am going to be a teacher.

At least, that's what my parents say. And my friends know. And everyone believes, sometimes even me.

But if I was in charge?

I am going to be a writer.

This is because I have a spirit in me that wants for this more powerfully than it wants me to be stable in life. I have a desire that burns brighter than my need to continue to study and take classes that I care so little about but are required to pass.

Because an A no longer means to me that I have done well, it just means that I have learned how to be the robot perfect student that every teacher wants. Pass the class. Get the grade. Forget all that you have learned. Repeat.

Sometimes people enjoy this, and I don't begrudge them for that. If it is what you want to do, GO FOR IT! But I am not like these people. And I think there are more out there like me.

So I'm not asking you to change your plan. I'm not telling you that you're doing it wrong.

I am merely reminding you that life is short and your time on earth is minuscule and if you can do something that you enjoy that the world could someday see, I implore you to go for it. Follow your heart. Always.

"O Me! O Life!" by Walt Whitman says "that the powerful play goes on and you will contribute a verse." What will your verse be?

So step away from the path that has been drawn for you. Remember for a minute that you are a piece in this game.

Because you and I both know that you are capable of more. And that you want it.

So if you're scared, if you need reassurance, or someone to kick you in the right direction, here I am.

I will say it again; WHAT WILL YOUR VERSE BE?